Barcelona's Neymar praised by Carlos Alberto Parreira

Brazil Technical Director Carlos Alberto Parreira has lauded the abilities of Neymar and suggested that the Barcelona striker is on par with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Parreira told Zero Hora: "We always had the confidence that Neymar was a Golden Boy. We gave him alot of support. He arrived at the Confederations Cup and blossomed. He is so talented , that player who makes the difference."

"He is our big name, not only ours, but throughout world football, right next Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi."

Neymar has registered 30 international goals in just 47 appearances for the Selecao and has been particularly prominent since the reappointment of head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.